Tuesday's Tip of the Day: Mise En Place

One of the first lessons I learned at Le Cordon Bleu, was the importance of a clean work station. The term Mise En Place, defined as “everything in its place,” is the official term we quickly learned as we headed into the kitchens. This term is known throughout kitchens around the world and holds tremendous value. They say, “An organized kitchen is an organized mind” and I couldn’t agree more. The days where my dishes are cleaned, dried and put away, floor is swept, counter is clean, and I have a sufficient work surface from which to cook from, are the days I tend to make some of my best dishes and have more fun doing so.

Before you start cooking, take a look around your kitchen. Remove the clutter, create a spacious cooking area, wipe down the counters, put the dishes away, and get yourself organized. And most importantly, as you start to cook, make sure you clean as you go. There is nothing more daunting than a counter full of open products and a sink full of dirty dishes. Cooking should be fun! Simply put, when you use a teaspoon of vanilla in your chocolate chip cookies, wipe down any stray drippings, tighten the lid and put it away.

And, before you invite your friends and family into the kitchen to join you, pre-heat the oven (if using) and pull any items out of the fridge that may need to come to room temperature. Starting with an organized kitchen will make cooking easier, more enjoyable and rewarding

Now with that, gather your friends and family and let’s set the table together!

Cheers to starting a new tradition at home and around the table together!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Lewis

Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!